Thermometer



Jan. 25, 1938. c. c. SCHWEISO THERMOMETER Filed April 2, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet l gwuc/wto'v Clifford C. schweiso Jan. 25, 1938. c. c. SCHWEISO THERMOMETER Filed April 2, 1954 .9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Clifford C. Schweiso Jan. 25, 1938. c. c. SCHWEISO I THERMOMETER 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 2, 1934 gwuwwbcw Clifford C. Schxveiso Jan. 25, 1938. Q c Q WE 2,106,507

THERMOMETER Filed April 2, 1934 9 SheetS-Sheet 6 2&3? 276 $274 Q69 Jpn); "M01 Clifford, Cw Sclufifii o Jan. 25, 1938. c. c. SCHWEISO THERMOMETER 9 Shets-Sheet 8 Filed April 2, 1934 :hvucvfim:

Clifford C. Schxveiso i 4 of ima M Patented Jan. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIE THERMOMETER Minn, a corporation of Minnesota Application April 2, 1934, Serial No. 718,551

11 Claims.

My invention relates to thermometers and particularly to thermometers of relatively large proportions simulating in appearance an ordinary liquid column thermometer.

An object of the invention resides in constructing the thermometer with means forming an elongated scale and with a plurality of indicating members extending along said scale and adapted to conjointly indicate in the same manner as the column of an ordinary thermometer the ambient temperature.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a control device whereby relatively small movement of the actuating device is converted into greater movement of other parts of the control device.

A still further object of the invention resides in constructing said members with indicating means and in mounting said members for movement into a position to bring said indicating means into indicating position with reference to the scale.

A specific object of the invention resides in pivotally mounting said members for swinging movement to bring the indicating means into indicating position.

A still further object of the invention resides in pivoting said members for coaxial movement and in constructing said members with cylindrical surfaces adapted to simulate in appearance the column of the thermometer.

A feature of the invention resides in providing the thermometer with a bezel along which the scale is disposed and in forming said cylindrical surfaces with two parts, one colored red or some other suitable color and the other colored white and in shifting the members so as to alternately bring said colored parts of the members into register with said bezel.

An object of the invention resides in providing separate actuating means for independently actuating each of said indicating members.

A still further object of the invention resides in employing electrically energized actuating means for each of said members and in utilizing a circuit for each member whereby said members may be operated by remote control.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a plurality of switches for operating said circuits.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing temperature controlled means for successively operating said switches.

A feature of the invention resides in arranging said switches in circular formation and in providing a rotating member operated by the temperature controlled means for successively operating the switches.

An object of the invention resides in providing an electric motor and suitable transmission mechanism for rotating said member and in em playing a control switch for starting and stopping said motor.

A still further object of the invention resides in utilizing the temperature controlled means for operating said control switch.

Another object of the invention resides in employing a movable carriage carrying said control switch and moved by said electric motor, said member causing the control switch to travel along a predetermined path.

An object of the invention resides in providing an operating member for operating said control switch, said operating member being operated by the temperature controlled means and moving along the same path as said control switch.

A feature of the invention resides in pivoting said carriage and in utilizing as said operating member a swinging arm cooperating therewith and operated by the temperature controlled means.

Another object of the invention resides in concentrically pivoting said arm and carriage.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter illustrated and/or described.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a part of the invention embodying the indicating column.

Fig. 2 is a plan sectional view taken on line 2 2; of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 2 with the parts in altered position.

Fig. 4 is an elevational sectional view taken on line 4-H of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an elevational sectional View of the lower portion of the structure shown in Fig. 1 and taken on line 55 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the operating mechanism of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the structure shown in Fig. 6 with portions thereof illustrated in section.

Fig. 8 is an end elevational view of the structure shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is an elevational sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is an elevational sectional detail view of the transmission mechanism of the invention taken on line l t-l5 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is a plan sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. and a portion of the supporting member therefor taken on line H--H of Fi 10.

Fig. 12 is an elevational sectional detail view taken on line i2-l2 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 13 is an elevational sectional detail View taken on line !3l3 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 14 is an elevational sectional detail view taken on line l i!$ of Fig. 6.

Fig. 15 is an elevational sectional detail view taken on line l5-l5 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 1G is a fragmentary elevational view taken on line l=3i5 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 1'7 is a fragmentary elevational sectional view taken on line ll-ll of Fig. 8.

Fig. 18 is an elevaticnal View of a portion of the switch operating mechanism taken on line |8|8 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a wiring diagram of the invention.

My invention proper comprises two parts, an indicating mechanism indicated in its entirety by the reference character A and an operating mechanism therefor indicated in its entirety by the reference character B. The indicating mechanism A may be placed at any locality desired as for example upon the exterior of a building or at any locality where the same is readily visible to the public. The mechanism B is situated withm a building or at any other suitable locality where electric current can be procured and is adapted to operate the mechanism A through remote control. The various parts of these two mechanisms will now be described in detail.

The mechanism A consists of a case 15 which is constructed with a door 23 at the forward portion thereof and having a. window therein through which the interior of the case may be viewed, and with a similar door I23 at the rear thereof serving the same purpose. Within the case 15 are disposed two bezels l2 and H2 constructed toform elongated openings !3 and H3 visible through the windows in the doors 23 and 23. In back of the window i3 is provided a plurality of indicating members M which are ar ranged to conjointly form an indicating column i5 simulating in appearance the column of liquid. contained within the ordinary mercury or spirit thermometer.

The case it? is constructed from sheet metal, wood. or some other suitable material and comprises sides i5 and ii connected together at the top through a cap itand at the bottom through base i9. These parts may be welded or otherwise secured together to form a rigid and substantial construction. At the corners of the base is are provided angles 29 which serve to stiffen and reinforce the base and to provide a rigid construction for the entire case. At the front and back of the case H] are provided strips of metal 2i which extend along the walls IS and I! and which are bent to form rabbets 22 in which the two doors 23 and l23 fit. These doors are constructed from tubular material indicated at 24 to form a frame 25 eXtending along the rabbet 2?. and lying flush with the portions 2| of the case. Along the inner edges of the frame 25 is provided a bead 28 against which a pane of glass 27 rests. This glass is held in place through a molding 28 which may be screwed to the frame 25 or secured thereto in any desired manner.

fhe two panes of glass 21 of the doors 23 and I23 serve as windows by means of which the column 15 disposed within the interior of the case it may be viewed. Doors 23 and I23 are hingedly connected to the members 2| of the case 58 through hinges 36 and may be locked in place through locks 31 attached to the said door and engaging the case in the usual manner.

Bezels l2 and H2 being identical in construc tion, only bezel l2 will be described in detail. This bezel consists of two sheets of metal 29 and 33 which are constructed with flanges 3| and 32 secured to the frame 25 of door 23 through screws 33. The flanges 3| and 32 are bent from the sheets 29 and 30 so that the said sheets extend diagonally inwardly toward one another as best shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The extreme ends 34 of these sheets are turned back as indicated in Fig. 2 and are spaced from one another to form the vertical slot or window l3 previously referred to. Along the outwardly exposed surface of the sheet 29 is printed or otherwise formed a scale 35 which is calibrated to read in degrees Fahrenheit or to any other scale desired. A similar scale may also be printed on the sheet 30.

The column l5 consists of a plurality of superimposed members N best illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4. Each of these members being identical in construction only one thereof will be described. The member l4 comprises an inverted cup-like stamping 38 formed with a radial wall 39 and two circumferential walls Al and 42 disposed diametrally opposite one another and spaced from one another as indicated at 43 and M. The cylindrical walls 4| and 42 are constructed at the upper ends thereof with offsets 45 into which the lower edges 46 of the cylindrical walls of the superimposed indicating member may be received. By means of this construction continuity of the column is procured so that no break appears between the various members. The cylindrical walls 45 and 42 are of a circumferential width somewhat greater than twice the width of the windows 13 and H3. These walls have painted upon them or otherwise applied thereto two areas of coloring best shown in Fig. l. The two walls 4! and 42 are preferably white at the areas thereof designated at MI and I02 and are preferably colored at the adjoining areas thereof designated by the numerals H33 and 164. The division of coloring occurs along vertical lines at the centers of the two cylindrical walls 4! and 42. The radial Wall 39 of member M is riveted to a drum 4'! which is rotatably mounted upon a vertically extending shaft 48 situated symmetrically with respect to the two windows I3 and H3. These drums rest upon collars 4-9 secured to the shaft 48 through set screws 50 and thus rotatably support the indicating members for movement from a position shown in Fig. 2 to a position shown in Fig. 3 and vice versa.

The shaft 48 is supported through a number of brackets 5 l, which are attached to a vertically extending angle member 53. Angle member 53 is supported on a base angle 85 carried by the base 19 which angle member extends across and is secured to angles 20. Angle member 53 is further attached to a similar angle member mounted in cap 18, but not illustrated. The brackets 5| are formed with bosses 54 through which the shaft 48 extends and the said shaft is held rigidly attached to said bosses through set screws 55. Brackets 5| are further constructed with legs 56 which abut against the angle member 53 and 2,106,507 which are bolted to said angle member through boltsor screws 51. If desired, the shaft 48 may be made sectional in which case the sections are joined at the brackets 5 I. Such construction permits of building the thermometer in units. Less units would hence be required for thermometers operated in warm climates, thereby reducing the cost of such thermometers.

The member I4 is operated through an electromagnet 58. This magnet is provided with a spool 63 formed with a tube 59 and ends 60 and BI. A coil 62 of insulated wire is wound upon the spool 63. Within the tube 59 is slidably mounted an iron core 64. This core has attached to it a guide rod 65 which extends through the end 6| of the spool 63, which rod is externally threaded at its outer end as indicated at 61. A bumper washer 66 is adjustably positioned upon the threaded end 61 of said rod and is held in position thereon through a. nut 68. The washer 66 is adapted to engage the supporting structure for the electromagnet and forms a stop for limiting the outward movement of the core 64 and the structure controlled thereby.

Upon the drum 4! is wound a flat metallic ribbon 69 which is attached to the said drum through a screw 10. This ribbon is likewise attached to the core 64 which is slotted as indicated at II to receive the same. Ribbon 99 is pivoted to the core 64 by means of a pin 400 which passes jointly through said ribbon and core. Ribbon 69 passes through the opening 44 formed between the two cylindrical walls 4| and 42 of the member 14, which arrangement of parts is best shown in Fig.

4. When the indicating member I4 is in the position shown in Fig. 2, core 64 is outermost and the ribbon 69 is wound the maximum amount upon the drum 41. When said core is drawn innermost into the electromagnet proper, the member M is rotated through the ribbon 69, taking the position shown in Fig. 3. For the purpose of limiting the movement of the member I4 when in its position shown in Fig. 2, the bumper 66 and the adjusting nuts 68 are employed.

For limiting the movement of the member l4 when the same arrives at its position shown in Fig. 3, a stop bar 12 is employed which is attached to the various brackets 5|, and which extends vertically throughout the height of the device.

This stop bar is formed with lugs 13 which are secured to the said brackets through screws 14. The free edge 15 of the cylindrical wall 42 of member I4 is adapted to engage this stop bar and to limit the movement of said member I4.

Member I4 is normally held in the position shown in Fig. 2 through a tension coil spring 19 which is attached at one end to a lug 'I'I struck out of the metal of the radial wall 39 of said member I4. The spring 19 is attached at its other end to a vertically extending rod 18 which is attached to the various brackets 5 I. This rod may be made in sections similar to the shaft 48 in which case certain of the sections are screwed at one end into suitable bosses 19 formed on the various brackets 5|. When current is applied to the electromagnet 58 core 04 is drawn inwardly and the member I4 rotated from its position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3 against the action of the spring 16.

The height of the exposed portions of the cylindrical walls 4| and 42 of the members I4 is preferably such that said members correspond to a temperature increment of not over two degrees. These members may however be made of any height desired. When so constructed the electromagnets 58 have a diameter somewhat greater than the height of said members. To permit of utilizing such members, the electromagnets 58 are preferably arranged in two groups 80 and 8|, and staggered as most clearly shown in Fig. 2. For the purpose of supporting the said electromagnets, an upright 82 is employed which is bent as indicated at 83 to cause the adjoining parts thereof to fit against the ends SI of the spool 63 of said magnets. The various electromagnets are attached to the upright 82 through screws 383 which are threaded into the ends 6|. In this manner the height of the members I4 may be made as little as one-half the diameter of the said electromagnets. The upright 82 is secured to an angle base member 84 supported on the base I9 and to a similar member secured to cap l8, but not illustrated.

Where the thermometer is operated in relatively warm climates, it becomes unnecessary to continue the members It below the minimum temperature mark on the scale 35. To complete the column I 5 two segmental shaped members 86 are employed which are shown in Fig. 5. These members are situated at the lower end of said column and conform to the shape of the column I5. The segmental shaped members 86 are attached to a. plate 8? which is constructed with a flange 88. Plate ill fits up against the ends of the sheets 29 and 39 and forms a closure therefor. The flange 98 is secured to the frame 25 of the respective doors 23 and I23 through screws 89.

The operating mechanism B consists of a base 90 on which is mounted an electric motor 9|. This motor operates through a shaft 92 and a suitable power transmission 93, a switch operat ing device 94 which in turn closes a plurality of switches 95 controlling the operation of the electromagnets 58. As motor 9| continues to operate successive switches 95 are closed, thereby successively operating the various members I4 and procuring the desired indication. At the same time shaft 92 operates a carriage 96 which carries a control switch 97. Control switch 91 is operated through a swinging arm 98 which is actuated through a temperature controlled device indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 99. This device includes a thermometer bulb I09 which is situated at the locality. where the temperature is to be measured. These various parts will now be described in detail.

The entire operating device B is mounted upon a table I05, having a table top I06 which is supported on legs lill. The legs I01 are secured together and braced through rails I98 connected to said legs. The base 99 is preferably constructed as a rectangular casting of suitable dimensions to support the various parts and is secured to the table I05 through bolts or screws I09.

Motor 9| is constructed in the usual manner, having a field IIO to which are attached end bells I I4 and H5 which provide bearings |I6 for supporting the armature shaft II! of the motor. Motor 9| is attached to the base 99 through legs I I8 which are attached to the field I I 0 and which are secured to said base through screws E9. M0- tor 9| is a series motor provided with a field coil 302 and an armature 39I.

The transmission 93 consists of a case I 20 which is best illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. This case is formed with a flange |2I which fits against the end of the end bell I|4. Bolts I22 extending through said flange and threadedinto said end bell serve to attach the case to the motor. Case I is constructed to form a chamber I24 in which the transmission gearing of the invention is disposed and provides bearings for the various shafts of the same. For this purpose case I20 is constructed with bosses I25 and I26 which are bored to receive two bushings I27 and I28. Bushing I28 is threaded into the boss I26 and may be adjusted to take up end play, said bushing being held in adjusted position through a lock nut I29. A shaft I30 is journaled in the two bushings I27 and I28. In addition two other bosses I3! and I32 are provided which are bored and threaded to receive two threaded bushings I 33 and I34. These bushings are also held in adjusted position through lock nuts I35 and I36 screwed upon the same and against the ends of the bosses I3I and I32. A shaft I37 is journaled in the two bushings I33 and I34.

The motor shaft II7 extends into chamber I24 and has attached to the end thereof a worm I38 which is adapted to mesh with a worm wheel I39 secured to the shaft I37. Shaft I37 is further provided with a worm 338 which in turn meshes with a worm wheel 339 fast on shaft 539. Through the action of the said reduction gearing, shaft I 30 is rotated at a reduced rate of speed. The worm gear 339 is mounted against a collar I40 formed on shaft I39 and is held against said collar through a nut I4I threaded upon said shaft. Worm gear 339 may be keyed to the said shaft through a. key I42. Worm gear I39 is similarly secured to the shaft I37. End play in the shaft I30 is taken up through a ball I43 mounted at the end of said shaft and seated in a socket I44 in the end of the bushing I28. End play is similarly taken up at shaft I37 through balls I45 and I46 mounted in the ends of said shaft and seated in sockets I47 and I48 in the two bushings I33 and I34.

Shaft I30 drives the shaft 92 previously referred to. The latter shaft is concentrically situated with respect to shaft I30 and is journaled in two bearings 347 and 348 cast on the base 90 and extending upwardly therefrom. This shaft is connected to the shaft I30 through a coupling I49 and is further provided with a universal joint I50 by means of which absolute alignment of the two shafts is rendered unnecessary. Shaft 92 is held from endwise movement with respect to the bearings 347 and 343 through two collars I5I and I52 which are mounted upon said shaft adjacent the facing ends of said bearings. Shaft 92 has secured to it a spur gear I53 which meshes with a spur pinion I54 fast on a countershaft I55. Countershaft IE5 is journaled in two bearings I56 and I57 which are cast on the base 90. These bearings are bored to receive bushings I58 which are constructed similar to the bushings I38 previously referred to and which are held in adjusted position with respect to said bearings through lock nuts I59. The shaft I is also held from endwise movement through balls similar to those used in conjunction with shafts I30 and I37.

The carriage 96 is constructed in the shape of a gear segment having a radial portion I60 formed with Worm gear teeth I6! at the segmental edge thereof. These teeth are adapted to mesh with a worm I62 on shaft I55. The

- member 96 is of relatively large dimensions and difficulty is encountered in causing the teeth thereof to be retained in mesh with the worm I62. This is overcome through a guide I63 which is shown in detail in Fig. 13. This guide includes a block I64 and a cap I65 therefor which are both bolted to the base 90 through bolts I66. The block I64 and cap I65 are jointly bored at I67 to receive the worm I62 and are further slotted at I68 to receive the marginal portion of the carriage 96. Said portion of the carriage fits snugly between the two parts of the guide and is hence held in mesh with the threads of the Worm I62 thereby causing positive action of the carriage through rotation of shaft I55.

For the purpose of pivotally supporting the carriage 96, a mounting I69 is employed which comprises a base portion I70 adapted to rest upon the base 99. Base portion I70 is pivotally attached to base 90 through a screw 320 threaded into said base and is provided with two slots I7I through which two other screws I72 extend, which screws are also threaded into the base proper 90. By means of this construction the mounting I69 may be shifted in a manner to bring the teeth I6I of segment 96 into proper mesh with the threads of the worm I62. For the purpose of adjusting the mounting I69 and for moving it toward and from the shaft I55 an eccentric adjustment is employed which is illustrated in detail in Fig. 15. A slot 372 is formed in the base portion I70 of mounting I69 and an eccentric I73 fitted within the same. This eccentric is constructed with a hexagon head I74 by means of which the said eccentric may be rotated and is bored eccentrically at I75 to receive a pin I76 serving as a shaft about which the said eccentric is rotatable. Pin I75 is preferably in the form of a screw and is threaded into the base 90 as designated at I77. When the eccentric I73 has been adjusted through application of a wrench to the wrench head I74 the same may be locked in adjusted position through the screw I76.

The worm gear segment or carriage. 96 is journaled for rotation in a structure illustrated in detail in Fig. 12. On the mounting I69 is an upwardly extending bearing block I78 which is formed with a horizontal slot I79, providing two spaced horizontal lugs I33 and IEI. The portion I60 of carriage 95 extends into the slot 79 and has mounted in it a flanged bushing I82. This bushing is journaled on a stub shaft I83 which is received within a bore I84 formed in the lug I82. The upper end of the shaft I03 is threaded as designated at I85 to screw into the lug I80. The threaded portion I05 is of larger diameter than the portion I83 to provide a downwardly facing shoulder I86. A washer I87 encircles the shaft I63 and bears down upon the upper surface of the portion I60 of gear segment 96. A similar washer I88 is disposed below the flanged bushing I 82. By screwing the shaft I 83 downwardly, pressure is applied to the assembled structure through the washers I87 and I08, whereby end play is entirely eliminated. Shaft I83 may be held in adjusted position through a lock nut I89 which is threaded upon the threaded end I85 of said shaft and which abuts against the upper surface of the lug I80.

The temperature controlled device 90 consists of a flattened hollow tube I90 frequently referred to as a Bourdon tube which is wound in the form of a spiral. The inner end I9I of the said tube is attached to a support I92 and is in communication with another tube I93 leading from the device. The outer end I94 of the tube I90 is closed and is free to move in accordance with pressure set upwithin the tube as will be presently described in detail. Tube I93 is attached to the base 90 through a clamp 394 and extends outwardly beyond the operating mechanism being ultimately connected to the bulb I00. The tube I93 and bulb I are all preferably filled with mercury or some other suitable fluid capable of expanding upon increased temperature. The bulb I00 is situated at the locality where the temperature is to be measured and the mercury contained within the same is caused to expand or contract as the temperature increases or de creases. When the mercury in the bulb I00 expands a pressure is set up in the Bourdon tube I90 and the free end I94 of said tube is caused to move in they arc of a circle toward the right as viewed in Fig. 6. Such movement of the tube I90 is proportional to the change in temperature and is utilized to operate the indicating mechanism A previously referred to.

The control switch 91 is best shown in Fig. 6 and comprises an insulating member I95 which is attached to the portion I60 of the carriage 96 through screws I96. This insulating member carries two adjustable contacts I98 and I99. The arm 98 previously referred to carries a contact finger 290 which is constructed with two contacts 20! and 202 adapted to engage the contacts I98 and I99 respectively. This finger and the arm 98 are supported through the mounting I69 as best shown in Fig. 12. Attached to the upper end of the bearing block I18 through screws 203 is a bearing plate 204. A similar bearing plate 205 is attached to the bearing plate 204 through two spaced studs 205 which are riveted to the plate 204. Machine screws 20'! extend through the plate 205 and are threaded into the. two studs 206. By means of this construction plate 205 is demountably attached to plate 204 in spaced relationv thereto. The two plates 204 and 205 are drilled at 200 and 209 to form bearings for a spindle 2 I 0. Spindle 2 l 0 is reduced at its ends as indicated at 2II to form trunnions by means of which the spindle is journaled in the plates 204 and 205 and by means of which longitudinal movement of the said spindle is prevented. The arm 98 previously referred to is preferably constructed of sheet metal and is attached to a bushing 2I2 secured to spindle 2 I0. End thrust from spindle 2I0 is transmitted through a ball bearing 2M, engaging the end of said spindle to a leaf spring 2I5 secured to the underside of plate 204. By means of a screw 2I6 threaded in the plate 204 the position of the ball 2M may be varied so as to take up the end play in the spindle 2H1. Arm 98 is constructed with a slot 2l3 extending longitudinally thereof and is further provided with a flange 2 l1 depending therefrom. This flange has attached to it the finger 200 which is insulated therefrom through pieces of insulating material 2I8.

Finger 200 serves to operate the switch 91 and is itself operated from the temperature controlled device 99. This is accomplished as follows: Attached to the end I94 of tube I90 is an arm 2I9 which is constructed at its outer end with a number of holes 220. Arm 2I9 has mounted in it a strip of bimetal 22I by means of which compensation for operation of the device at difierent tern.- peratures is procured. The arm 2 I9 and the tube I90 are so designed that the portion of the arm formed with the openings 220 travels about the center of the spiral as an axis, the movement itself being directly proportional to the temperature of the mercury within the bulb I00. For operating arm 98 from arm 2l9. a linkage is employed which is shown in detail in Fig. 14. Fitting over the arm 98 is a U-shaped clamp 222. This clamp is threaded to receive a screw 223 which passes through the slot 2I3. Screw 223 is constructed with an enlarged shank 224 which forms a bearing for a jointed link 225. Link 225 is constructed in two sections 220 and 221 which are both slotted as designated at 229 and 229 and which may be secured together through bolts 230. The link 2225 is further pivoted through a bolt 23I to the arm M9. This bolt is adapted to extend through the said link and through any of the holes 220 in the arm 2I9. As the arm 2I9 swings, arm. 99 is caused to swing in the opposite direction. The link 225 is adjustable in length and the limits of the lever arms of the two arms 98 and H9 may be adjusted so that the indicating device A operates to indicate accurately the temperature at the bulb I00.

The switches 95 previously referred to serve to operate the various electro-magnets 58 which control the movement of the members I4. These switches and the operating mechanism therefor will now be described in detail. On the side of the table IDS is a vertically disposed board 232 which is attached to said table through struts 233. These struts are U-shaped in form and are bolted to the legs I0! through bolts 290 and are further bolted to the board 232 through bolts 235. The board 232 may if desired be constructed of insulating material or the same may be constructed of any other suitable material. The various switches 95 are identical in construction and are mounted on the said board in arcuate formation, being arranged in two concentric rows indicated at 235 and 23'! in Fig. 8.

One of the switches 95 is shown in detail in Fig,

17. This switch includes a bushing 238 which is bored at 239 to receive the stem. 240 of a plunger 2M Plunger 24! is constructed with a head 242 of larger dimensions than the stem 200 which head is slidably received within an enlargement 243 of the bore 239. A compression coil spring 244 is seated at one end against the head 242 and urges the stem 240 of plunger 2M outwardly. spring 244 is further seated against a screw 245 which is threaded into the outer end of the bushing 238. The bushing 238 is reduced in diameter at the end thereof through which the bore 239 extends and is exteriorly threaded as designated at 245 to screw into the board 232. The plungers 24? serve as contacts of the switches 50 and contact with the other switch elements thereof, which will now be described in detail.

The switch operating device 94 comprises a spur gear 241 which is constructed of some suitable insulating material such as any of the phenol formaldehyde products. This gear is concentrically mounted with respect to the center of the rows 235 and 23'! of switches 95 and is attached to a hub 248 carried on a stub shaft 249. Shaft 249 is journaled in ball bearings 250 and 25I which are secured in a mounting 252 attached to the underside of the table top I06 of table I05. The end 253 of shaft 249 is threaded to receive an end plate 254 by means of which end play of the shaft 209 is taken up. A nut 255 threaded upon the threaded end 253 of shaft 249 holds the plate 254 in place. Attached to the gear 29'! is a segmental shaped contact 256. A second segmental shaped member 25'! is also attached to the gear 24'! and is disposed to lie in continuation of the segment 259 to form a complete circular member against which the various plungers 2 H may ride. Member 251 is constructed of insulating material and serves merely as a blank for maintaining the surface along which the plungers 24I ride of the same height as the surface procured upon contact When the various plungers engage the contact the circuits through the switches 95 are closed and when the said plungers engage the member 251 the circuits through the various switches 55 are open.

For the purpose of conducting current to the contact segment 255 a number of switches 21 2 similar to the switches 95 are employed, a number of which are arranged in a row concentric with the two rows 235 and 231 and within the same, said row being designated by the reference numeral 2E5. ne or more of these switches is always in contact with the segment 255 whereby current is fed to the said segment to be distributed through the various switches 95.

Attached to the board 232 is a limit switch 258 by means of which injury to the mechanism. is prevented in the event that the temperature goes beyond the limits of the thermometer or in the event that the control switch fails to function. This switch comprises three flexible switch leaves 25.), and 265 which are mounted upon a mounting 282 and insulated from one another through pieces of insulating material 283. Screws 2S4 extend through the said leaves and through the insulation 253 and are threaded into a flange 265 formed on the mounting 262. These screws are insulated from the switch leaves 259, 2 3% and 255. The switch leaves have suitable contacts 266 attached thereto by means of which circuits through the said leaves are completed. Switch leaf 268 extends outwardly beyond the leaves 259 and 265 as indicated at 251 to form a finger adapted to be engaged by either of two stops or pins 263 and 269 mounted on the gear 241. Nhen pin 25% strikes the finger 251 the circuit is broken through one of the switch leaves and when pin 2.88 strikes the finger 251 the circuit is broken through the other two switch leaves. The manner of connecting these switches will be presently described in detail.

The gear 241 is driven from a spur pinion 218 mounted upon the end of shaft 92. This shaft causes the gear 231 to rotate and to operate successively the various switches 95. Due to the worm gears used in the transmission 93, the shaft 92 becomes locked when the motor stops and the gear is thus held immovable after the motor is off so that accidental closing or opening of switches 95 is entirely prevented.

In the operation of the switches 95 it becomes desirable to prevent undue arcing between the contact segment 258 and the contact plungers 249 when the circuits through the same are broken through the rotation of the gear 251. Toward this end three auxiliary contacts 2? l, 212 and 213 are employed which are insulated from one another and from the contact 255 and which are disposed at one end of contact 256. These contacts are secured to the gear 241 through screws 215 (Fig. 16) which pass through the said gear and are tapped into said contacts. All of these contacts slightly raised above the level of the contact segment 256 and the insulating segment 25? and are formed with beveled edges. When the gear 241 travels in one direction the stems 248 of plungers 24! strike the said beveled edges and the plungers are raised directly away from the contact and arcing caused to occur between the parallel surfaces thereof. In addition plungers 2M leave the contact surfaces more rapidly than would otherwise be possible. When the gear E i's travels in the opposite direction the plungers rest upon the surfaces of the contacts 211, 212 and 213 and do not engage the contact 256 until they pass by the said auxiliary contacts. When they finally engage contact 256 they engage the said contact squarely and throughout an appreciable area to greatly reduce arcing.

To prevent short circuiting between switches in the several rows the three auxiliary contacts 211, 212 and 213 are used instead of a single contact. With this construction the switches of each row are caused to engage one only of the raised contacts thereby preventing the undesired short cirsuiting.

For the purpose of controlling the operation of the operating device, two relays 285 and 288 are employed, which are shown in Fig. 19. Relay 285 consists of a coil 281, two contact arms 288 and 289 and two contacts 299 and 28! adapted to contact with the said contact arms. Relay 286 includes a coil 292, contact arms 283 and 294 and two contacts 295 and 296 adapted to contact with said arms. These relays are connected in the system as will be presently described in detail.

The method of connecting up the various switches and electrical devices of the invention is shown in the wiring diagram in Fig. 19. In this figure the power line is indicated at 211 which consists of two leads 218 and 218. A line switch 288 is employed by means of which the apparatus may be connected to or disconnected from the line. To this switch are connected two leads 28! and 282 which furnish current to the various apparatus. All of the plungers of switches 214 are connected together through a common conductor 283 which in turn is connected to a conductor 284 connected to the lead 282 previouslyreferred to. The plungers of the various switches 95 are all connected through conductors 291 with the various electromagnets 58, the said switches and electromagnets being arranged in the same order. The other terminals of the electrornagnets 58 are connected to a common conductor 298 which is connected to contact 290 of relay 285 and to contact 295 of relay 285. This conductor is also directly connected to lead 281 from line 211. 296 of relays 285 and 286 are connected together through a conductor 299 which in turn is connected through a conductor 380 with one side of the armature 38| of motor 9|. Motor 9|, as previously stated, is a series wound motor whose field coil 382 is adapted to be connected in series with its armature 30l and by means of which reversal of rotation of the motor can be procured. The other side of the armature 39! of motor 9| is directly connected to conductor 282. The series field 352 of motor 9| is connected through another conductor 383 which in turn is connected to still another conductor 384. This latter conductor is connected to the switch arm 288 and to the switch arm 294. The other side of the field 302 is connected through a conductor 385 to another conductor 3116. Conductor 385 is connected to the two relay arms 289 and 283.

The limit switch 258 is connected into the circuit as follows: Leaf 258 is connected through a conductor 301 with conductor 284. Switch leaf 259 is connected through a conductor 308 with one side of the coil 292 of relay 2815. Switch leaf 2G! is connected through a conductor 389 with one side of the coil 281 of relay 285. The other sides of these coils are connected through conductors 3H! and 3H respectively with the contacts I88 and I99 of switch 91. Contacts 20! and 202 of this switch are connected together and to The other two contacts 291 and u magnets 58 controlled thereby.

the finger 200, which in turn is connected through a conductor SI 2 with lead 28 I.

To prevent sparking in the turning on and off of the motor SI the series field coil 302 thereof is protected through a shunt circuit 3I3. This shunt circuit includes an inductance 3M and a condenser 3I5 connected in parallel in said circuit. In like manner the armature 30I is protected through a shunt circuit 3I6 which contains an inductance 3II and a condenser 3| 8 in parallel in said circuit.

The operation of my invention is as follows: Assume the temperature to be, say, 72 degrees, with the device in normal position. Carriage I60 at such temperature is situated at a certain position corresponding to said temperature and the temperature controlled device is also at a position corresponding to such temperature. At such position finger 200 is midway between the two contacts I98 and I99 and the circuits through the two relays 285 and 286 are open. These two relays control motor SI which is normally stationary. At the same time that carriage I60 is in a certain position due to the particular temperature, gear 24'! which is directly connected to the shaft 92 which in turn controls the position of carriage I60 is also in a predetermined position. In such position certain of the switches 95 to the left of the contacts 2', 212 and 213 are in contact with the contact segment 256 and are closed. Circuits may be traced through these switches as follows: Such circuits include lead 282 from line 211, conductor 284, switch 274 which feeds the current to switch contact segment 256, the particular switches 95 whose plungers contacting with contact segment 256 and the conductors 291 between the said switches and the respective electromagnets 58. These circuits further include the conductor 298 and the lead 28L It will thus be seen that such switches 95 whose plungers contact with the contact segment 256 are closed and current maintained through the These electromagnets are the electromagnets which control the members I4 below the graduation mark I2 on the scale I2. In Fig. 3 the position of the said members I4 when the electromagnets are ener gized can be seen. In such position the colored areas I04 of the said members are brought into register with the window I3. Inasmuch as all or" the members below the temperature mark are simultaneously operated, the appearance of a colored column is given which extends up to the particular graduation corresponding to the tem perature of the bulb I of the thermometer. For the sake of explanation assume that the temperature increases. The mercury within the bulb I00 then expands and the spiral tube I90 straightens out. This causes the end I94 of the said tube to move toward the right as viewed in Fig. 6 and the arm 2I9 to move in a counterclockwise direction. This causes the said arm to swing as about a center coinciding with the center of the spiral tube I90 and through the action of link 225 and arm 98 to move the contact finger 200 in a clockwise direction. Upon movement of said arm in such manner contact 20! engages contact I98 and a circuit through said contacts is completed. Current flows through this circuit as follows: Commencing with lead 28I current flows through conductor 3I2, switch arm 200, contact I98, conductor 3| I, the coil 292 of relay 286, conductor 308, switch 258, conductor 30! and conductor 284 back to lead 282. This energizes relay coil 292 and the two relay arms 293 and 294 are drawn inwardly and into contact with contacts 295 and 296. This completes another circuit. This circuit energizes the armatures 30I of motor SH and the field 302 of said motor. This circuit includes armature 30I which is directly connected to lead 282, conductor 300, conductor 209, contact 2%, arm 2&4, conductor 334, conductor 303, field 302, conductor 305, conductor 306, arm 223, contact 2953, conductor 298 and lead 28L When the relay 288 is operated, current is fur nished which energizes both the field and armature of the motor 9|, the said field and armature being connected in series and the current entering a certain end of the field 302. This causes rotation of motor 9! in such a direction that the gear segment HIE is given a clockwise rotation as viewed in Fig. 6. Rotation of the shaft 92 through motor 9| also procures rotation of gear 241. Gear 24'! rotates in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 8 and causes the contact segment 256 to engage further of the switches $5. This causes additional electromagnets to become energized and the corresponding members I4 to be actuated. As the gear segment 2G0 rotates, pressure upon the finger 200 is reduced until finally the contact #93 leaves contact 20I breaking the circuit through the relay coil 282. This ole-energizes relay 285 and the circuit through motor 9| is opened which terminates the operation of the said motor and leaves the switch operating device 94 at a fixed position. Such position corresponds to the new temperature and is procured by adjusting the linkage for operating finger 200 so "rat the required number of members actuated to correctly show the actual tempera.- ture.

Upon a reduction of temperature the mercury within the bulb I00 contracts and the arm 2I9 moves in a clockwise direction, swinging finger 200 in a counter-clockwise direction. This causes the said finger to bring contact 202 in. engagement with contact I99. The circuit controlling motor 9! is now closed through relay 285. This circuit includes conductor 1H2, contact finger 209, contact ISQ, conductor 3I0, relay coil 28?, conductor 369, switch ieaf 26L switch leaf 265i, conductor 30?, conductor 284 and lead 282. This causes the relay 285 to be energized, closing the circuit through the relay arms 283 and 289. This com pletes the circuit through motor iI which comprises lead 282, armature 30E, conductor Bilil, conductor 290, contact 29L relay arm 2839. conductor 306, conductor 365, field coil 302, conductor 303,

conductor 304, reiay arm 23s, contact 280, conduc 1 tor 288 and the lead 281?. t will be noted that current enters the armature 3&5 in the same direction but enters the field coil 302 at the opposite end thereof. This causes reversal of motor 9| which causes the segment its and the gear 251. to travel in the opposite direction. Segment I50 again travels until the circuit is broken through switch 57, which terminates the movement of the gear 2 1?. A corresponding number of members M are cut out until the indication at the columng,

I4 are For this purpose the switch is employed. When either of the two pins or stops 268 or 268 engage the projecting portion 28'! of switch leaf 2% the said switch is opened which causes the particular relay 285 or 286 connected through said switch to become de-energized. This stops motor 9!. In this manner the movement of the gear 241 terminates when the same has traveled through half a revolution whether in one direction or the other. With this construction, injury to the apparatus is prevented.

My invention is highly advantageous in that a positive and practical device is provided whereby a temperature indicating device simulating in appearance a thermometer may be provided and positively operated. By means of my invention, accurate readings can be procured. My device depends upon the expansion of a liquid and is so designed that the movement of the expansible member is directly proportional to the temperature of the liquid. In this manner a uniform scale may be procured for the thermometer. By means of the adjustable linkage used in connecting the control switch with the actuating device, the thermometer may be adjusted to cause the same to accurately indicate actual temperatures. My invention is extremely sensitive and can be made to indicate to degrees or fractions of degrees as desired by the selection of the proper number of indicating members and the relative height of the same with respect to the graduations of the scale. Under ordinary temperature in the event that current should be cut off, my invention immediately indicates the minimum temperature due to the fact that the springs 16 move the members 4 so as to expose surfaces liil and (E12 thereof when the magnets 58 are deenergized thereby informing the observer that the apparatus is no longer functioning. In this manner erroneous readings which might be procured through the shutting off of current are entirely prevented.

Changes in the specific form of my invention, as herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. A control device comprising a pivoted member, a switch carried by said pivoted member, a pivoted arm for operating said switch, an actuating device having a swinging part, a link between said swinging part and said arm, pivots for pivoting said link to said swinging part and said arm, and means for varying the lever arm of one of said pivots.

2. A control device comprising a pivoted member, a switch carried by said pivoted member, a pivoted arm for operating said switch, an actu ating device having a swinging part, a link between said swinging part and said arm, pivots for pivoting said link to said swinging part and said arm, means for independently varying the lever arms of said pivots.

3. A control device comprising a pivoted member, a switch carried by said pivoted member, a pivoted arm for operating said switch, an actuating device having a swinging part, a link between said swinging part and said arm, pivots for pivoting said link to said swinging part and said arm, and means for varying the distance between said pivots.

4. A control device comprising a pivoted member, a switch carried by said pivoted member, a

pivoted arm for operating said switch, an actuating device having a swinging part, a link been said swinging part and said arm, pivots pivoting said link to said swinging part and said arm, means for varying the lever arm of one of said pivots and means for varying the distance between said pivots.

5. A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a horizontal support and a vertical support, a plurality of switch elements carried by said vertical support and arranged in concentric relation about a horizontal axis, a shaft coaxially disposed with reference to the axis of, l 5 said switch elements, complemental switch means 1" or coacting with said switch elements, and forming in conjunction therewith a plurality of switches, means carried by said shaft for operating said switches, a gear secured to said shaft,'2 0 a shaft overlying said horizontal support, a gear on said second named shaft meshing with said first name-d gear, reversible drive means for rotating said second named shaft in either direction, a third shaft overlying said horizontal support, drive means between said second and third shafts, an actuating device mounted on said horizontal support and adapted to occupy different positions and moved into said positions by said third shaft, thermostatic means adapted to occupy positions corresponding with the positions of said actuating device, and switch means conjointly controlled by said actuating device and said thermostatic means and controlling the operation of said drive means.

6. A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a horizontal support and a vertical support, a plurality of switch elements carried bye said vertical support and arranged in concentric relation about a horizontal axis, a shaft coaxially disposed with reference to the axis of said switch elements, complemental switch means for coaction with said switch elements, and forming in conjunction therewith a plurality of switches, means carried by said shaft for operating said switches, a gear secured to said shaft, a shaft overlying said horizontal support, a gear on said second named shaft meshing with said first named gear, reversible drive means for rotating said second named shaft in either direction, an actuating device mounted on said horizontal support and adapted to occupy different positions and moved into said positions by said second. named shaft, thermostatic means adapted to occupy positions corresponding with the positions of said actuating device, and switch means conjointly controlled by said actuating device and said thermostatic means, and controlling the operation of said drive means.

A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a horzontal support and a vertical support, a plurality of switch elements carried by said vertical support and arranged in concentric relation about a horizontal axis, a shaft coaxially disposed with reference to the axis of said switch elements, complemental switch means for coaction with said switch elements, and forming in conjunction therewith a plurality of switches, means carried by said shaft for operating said switches, a shaft overlying said horizontal support, drive means between said second named shaft and said first'named shaft and lying outwardly of said supports, reversible drive means for rotating said second named shaft in either direction, an actuating device mounted on said horizontal support and adapted to occupy different positions and moved into said positions by said second named shaft, thermostatic means adapted to occupy positions corresponding with the positions of said actuating device, and switch means conjointly controlled by said actuating device and said thermostatic means, and controlling the operation of said drive means.

8. A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a support, a plurality of switch elements carried by said support, and arranged in concentric relation about an axis, a shaft coaxially disposed with reference to the axis of said switch elements, complemental switch means for coaction with said switch elements and forming in conjunction therewith a plurality of switches, means carried by said shaft for operating said switches, a second shaft, drive means between the first and second shafts, reversible drive means for rotating said second named shaft in either direction, an actuating device adapted to occupy difierent positions and moved into said positions by said second named shafts, thermostatic means adapted to occupy positions corresponding with the positions of said actuating device, and switch means conjointly controlled by said actuating device and said thermostatic means, and controlling the operation of said drive means.

9. A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a support, a plurality of switch ele ments carried by said support, and arranged in concentric relation about an axis, a shaft coaxially disposed with reference to the axis of said switch elements, complemental switch means for coaction with said switch elements, and forming in conjunction therewith a plurality of switches, means carried by said shaft for operating said switches, a second shaft, drive means between the first and second shafts, reversible drive means for rotating said second named shaft in either direction, a third shaft parallel with said second shaft, drive means between said second and third shafts, an actuating device adapted to occupy different positions and moved into said positions by said third shaft, thermostatic means adapted to occupy positions corresponding with the positions of said actuating device, and switch means conjointly controlled by said actuating device and said thermostatic means, and controlling the operation of said drive means.

10. A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a plurality of separate operating circuits for operating said members, a switch element in each of said circuits, said switch elements being arranged in a circle, a rotary circuit closer for closing the circuits through said switch elements, an electric motor for rotating said rotary circuit closer, a gear driven by said motor, a control switch carried by said gear and controlling the operation of said motor, an arm coaxially journaled for rotation with respect to the axis of said gear, and functioning to operate said control switch, and thermostatically controlled actuat ing means for swinging said arm.

11. A control device for a thermometric indicator which includes a plurality of successively operated indicating members, said control device comprising a plurality of separate operating circuits for operating said members, a switch element in each of said circuits, said switch elements being arranged in a circle, a rotary circuit closer for closing the circuits through said switch elements, an electric motor for rotating said rotary circuit closer, a gear driven by said motor, a control switch carried by said gear and controlling the operation of said motor, an arm coaxially journaled for rotation with respect to the axis of said gear, and functioning to operate said control switch, an actuating device having a swinging part and linkage between the swinging part of said actuating device and arm for swinging said arm.

CLIFFORD C. SCHWEISO. 

